Process for forming an artificial reef

ABSTRACT

A process for forming an artificial reef includes the steps of forming a form having a geometric shape, applying at least one blockout onto a surface of the form such that the blockout extends outwardly of the surface of the form, applying a sprayable concrete over the form and the blockout, curing the sprayable concrete on the form for a period of time, removing the blockout from the surface of the form and from the cured sprayable concrete, and removing the form from the cured sprayable concrete. A base is formed having an upper surface. The lower end of the form is positioned upon the base. The sprayable concrete is sprayed over the upper surface of the base.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIALS SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to artificial reefs. Additionally, thepresent invention relates to processes for forming such artificialreefs. More particularly, the present invention relates to processes forforming artificial reefs in which a sprayable concrete is used for theformation of the artificial reef.

2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed Under 37CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98

An artificial reef is a man-made structure typically built to promotemarine life in areas having generally featureless bottoms. Artificialreefs are used to control erosion and/or to improve surfing. Many reefsare built by using objects that were built for other purposes, forexample, by sinking oil platform jackets, scuttling ships, or bydeploying rubble or construction debris.

Scuttling ships is an extremely costly and time-consuming way to producean artificial reef since there are many logistical hurdles to beovercome due to stringent governmental regulations. The ships must bestripped clean of any and all potential pollutants. As a result, theengines and fuel tanks must be removed. PCBs are common substance inmany older ship designs. These PCBs must be removed before the ship isscuttled. There also minimum depth requirements set forth by the USCGwhich makes the structures undesirable for deployment in waters lessthan 150 feet.

The Rigs-to-Reefs program has been very successful as a result of statefishery agencies working closely with oil companies to help defray thecost of deploying these offshore large structures. This can beattractive to oil companies since many times the cost of deploying isless than the cost of bringing the rigs back inshore and sold for scrap.This type of reef has minimum depth requirements, stringent regulationsregarding the removal of contaminants, and is very costly to deploy.

Designed artificial reefs can be placed in shallower waters and aremeant to provide the underlayment for the development of what eventuallywill considered a “natural” reef by incorporating elements conducive tomaking this happen. Artificial reefs divert the current flow in order toprovide adequate cover and refuge so as to allow small marine creaturesto gain a foothold instead of being continually swept along with theocean currents. These artificial reefs are placed above the flat,featureless ocean floor. Artificial reefs are designed to stand alone orbe deployed in unison with a number of other reefs and/or placement oflow relief material, such as rubble or concrete culverts. Concrete is agood material used for artificial reef construction, but it has inherentissues since it lacks correct pH values in addition to being too hardfor benthic marine organisms to bore into. As such, it is very importantto provide natural soft limestone as a primary surface materials.

Artificial reefs are somewhat expensive to be produced. Typically, ametal infrastructure is required for the artificial reef. Typically, ametal infrastructure is installed within a mold and concrete is pouredaround the metal infrastructure. Unfortunately, this metalinfrastructure can degrade over time because of contact with salt water.As a result, the artificial reef can degrade over time. Typically, theconstruction of such artificial reefs requires a number of persons tocomplete. The curing time for the concrete can be several days. As such,production of such artificial reefs is very expensive, time-consumingand labor-intensive. Still further, where metal infrastructure isutilized in the artificial reef, welding is required. This welding willdegrade because of contact with the saltwater. Additionally, the cost ofsteel associated with such a metal infrastructure makes the artificialreefs very expensive.

In certain circumstances, solid triangular blocks of concrete areutilized as artificial reefs. Typically, these solid blocks can causeproper interruption of the ocean current, but lack an area on theinterior thereof whereby small marine animals can develop. In thoseartificial reefs that have an internal chamber, turtles can becometrapped. As such, such structures lack proper turtle escape hatcheswhereby turtles can escape from the interior of such artificial reefs.Still further, the bottoms of such artificial reefs can be relativelysmall. As such, they can sink into the ocean floor or become swept awaywith strong ocean currents. As such, a need has developed so as toprovide an artificial reef which overcomes the problems associated withthe prior art.

In the past, a variety of patents have issued with respect to suchartificial reefs. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,069,715, issued on Feb.2, 1937 to J. P. Arpin, is an early patent dealing with artificialreefs. This structuring includes an elongated U-shaped member that issubstantially triangular in cross-section and hollow. The outerlongitudinal edges at the base portion have inclined soil-penetratingtoes. The portion of the base intermediate the longitudinal edges areprovided with penetrating lugs.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,888,209, issued on Jun. 10, 1974 to E. R. Boots,describes a method and apparatus for preventing erosion of a beach. Thismethod and apparatus includes an artificial reef for subsurfaceplacement adjacent a shoreline. The artificial reef is made of a basereef set on the seabed and an upper reef preformed and mounted to thebase reef.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,997,311, issued on Mar. 5, 1991 to T. A. Van Doren,describes an artificial reef that employs a dome-shaped, thin-walledenclosure of plastic material having apertures therein to permit aquaticlife to enter and exit. The enclosure has a circular perimeter that isprovided with a circumferential trough integrally formed with theenclosure. A concrete ballast is poured into the trough to form aperimetrical weight which holds the reef in position on the desiredunderwater surface.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,173,006, issued on Dec. 22, 1992 to W. R. Lowe, providesan artificial reef structure in the form of a truncated pyramidstructure. This artificial reef is assembled on site. The artificialreef structure is comprised of identical panels forming openings at thetop and bottom of the artificial reef and forming an opening in the sideof the artificial reef at a variable distance from the bottom of thestructure so as to control the sinking of the structure and the sandheld by the structure.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,695, issued on Nov. 9, 1993 to B. J. Mostkoff,provides an artificial reef having an equilateral tetrahedron and havingfour equilateral sides in which an equilateral triangle is disposed.Tire chips are placed within the artificial reef and held in place bycement. The artificial reef is formed with an open-ended three-sidedmold.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,454,665, issued on Oct. 3, 1995 to R. K. Hughes, showsan artificial reef for use in a body of water. The reef is formed byproviding an anchoring structure which is submerged. The anchoringstructure has a weight sufficient to anchor the artificial reef to thefloor of the body of water. Each of the reef assemblies is formed from abase which is secured to the anchoring structure. A flexible elastomericsleeve is coupled to a lower end of a buoyant elongated member formedfrom a substantially rigid polymeric material so that the elongatedmembers are held in a generally upright position.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,464,429, issued on Oct. 15, 2002 to M. D. Moore,provides an artificial reef module for coral reef remediation. Theartificial reef includes a central body having an upper settling plate,a middle settling plate, and a lower settling plate. A plurality ofprimary tines extend from the central body and include a plurality ofsecondary tines extending therefrom. The primary tines include thesupporting tines, the stabilizing tines, and the space-filling tines.The branching of these tines closely replicates the appearance ofnatural branching coral.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,896,445, issued on May 24, 2005 to E. Engler, disclosesa modular artificial reef that can be placed in stacked structures alongthe floor of a body of water. The artificial reef includes a top wall, abottom wall and opposed sidewalls and end walls which are interconnectedto form a hollow interior. Each of the walls is formed with one or moreopenings having a size suitable to allow access by marine life and topermit the passage of sunlight therein.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,828,493, issued on Nov. 9, 2010 to C. Brignac, describesan artificial reef structure that utilizes an axle rod supporting aplurality of buoyant reef bodies rotatably mounted on the axle rod. Theaxle rod and buoyant sections are suspended at a desired level above awater bottom by anchors attached to the anchor lines. A plurality ofdistally projecting rods is mounted on the buoyant reef bodies.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,186,702, shows another type of artificial reef. Theartificial reef is created by pouring concrete into a mold comprised ofan inner form and an outer formed with multiple blockout creatingtriangular windows. This artificial reef is deployed alone or with asmaller scale reef inside for fitted with shelves. This is a relativelycomplex design which is difficult to deploy correctly and easily. Theconfiguration has a smooth surface that is not conducive to attractingmarine growth.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,513,711, describes another type of artificial reef. Thisartificial reef employs the use of soft limestone rock on surfacepanels. The construction method utilized is a costly and time-consumingmethod that requires casting six structural elements separately andcasting three panels separately. Once all of the components are curedsufficiently over a period of days, they can be lifted and placedtogether so as to be cast together as a single unit.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a process forforming an artificial reef which minimizes the time and laborrequirements for the formation of the artificial reef.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a process forthe forming of an artificial reef that avoids any welding.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a processfor forming an artificial reef which minimizes the amount of steel andavoids the cost of steel.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a processfor forming an artificial reef in which the artificial reefs can bestacked one upon the other.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an artificialreef which includes limestone surfaces suitable for allowing marineorganisms and microorganisms to hold onto.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a process forforming an artificial reef which creates a large footprint in order toavoid sinking into the floor of the body of water or being swept away byocean currents.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a process forthe forming of an artificial reef in which the artificial reef isattractive to marine life.

It is still further object of the present invention to provide a processfor the forming of an artificial reef which provides greater longevityto the artificial reef.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a process forthe forming of an artificial reef in which the artificial reef isstronger than prior artificial reef structures.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a processfor the forming of an artificial reef which creates an artificial reefwhich allows for water circulation therethrough and for small animals toenter.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide aprocess for the forming of an artificial reef which effectively allowsfor the escape of turtles from the interior of the artificial reef.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from a reading of the attached specification andappended claims.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a process for forming an artificial reef thatincludes the steps of: (1) forming a form having a geometric shape; (2)applying at least one blockout onto a surface of the form such that theblockout extends outwardly of the surface of the form; (3) applying asprayable concrete over the form and the blockout; (4) curing thesprayable concrete on the form for a period of time; (5) removing theblockout from the surface of the form and from the cured sprayableconcrete; and (6) removing the form from the cured sprayable concrete.

In the process of the present invention, a rod can be applied onto theform so as to have a portion extending outwardly of the surface of theform. In particular, this rod is a metal rebar. The metal rebar is bentinto an inverted V-shaped configuration. The rebar is applied on to theform such that the bent portion of the rebar, or a flexible metal cable,extends outwardly above a top of the form. Additionally, the concrete issprayed onto the form below the bent portion of the rebar.

The step of forming the form includes a forming a generallypyramid-shaped form having an upper end and a lower end. A base isformed having a bottom surface and an upper surface. The lower end ofthe pyramid-shaped form is positioned upon the upper surface of thebase. At least one block is applied onto the upper surface of the basebeyond the perimeter of the lower end of the pyramid-shaped form. Thesprayable concrete is sprayed over the upper surface of the base andover at least a portion of the block.

The blockout is a cylindrically-shaped member. An end of thecylindrically-shaped member is affixed to the surface of the form suchthat the cylindrically-shaped member extends outwardly of the surface ofthe form. Additionally, or alternatively, the blockout be atriangular-shaped member or a square-shaped member. This triangularshaped member can be affixed to the surface of the form so as to extendoutwardly therefrom.

In the present invention, a plurality of limestone surfaces are appliedonto an outer surface of the sprayable concrete during the step ofcuring. These limestone surfaces can be in the nature of calciumcarbonate structures or limestone rocks. These limestone surfaces shouldsubstantially cover the exterior of the sprayable concrete.

Additionally, in order to facilitate the release of the concrete fromthe form, a concrete release agent is applied to the form prior to thestep of applying the sprayable concrete.

The present invention effectively serves to overcome the problemsassociated with the prior art. In particular, the use of a sprayableconcrete, such as gunite or shotcrete, provides a superior technique interms of cost, durability, and strength. This technique also allows forthe creation of the maximum available surface area of limestone rockthereon so as to successfully promote marine growth. The process of thepresent invention creates an artificial reef for the purposes ofattracting marine growth, such as corals, fans, banacles and otheraquatic life. This, in turn, can form the foundation upon which abalanced reef ecological system can thrive in order to enhance a fullspectrum of marine life deployment, from benthic worms to large plagicfish. By providing the maximum surface area of limestone, which iscomprised of at least 80% calcium carbonate, these artificial reefs willprovide a naturally-occurring compound found in the marine environmentthat marine wildlife can bore into or attach themselves to gain afoothold on life.

The foregoing Section is intended to describe, with particularity, thepreferred embodiment of the present invention. It is understood thatmodifications to this preferred embodiment can be made within the scopeof the present invention. As such, this Section should not to beconstrued, in any way, as limiting of the broad scope of the presentinvention. The present invention should only be limited by the followingclaims and their legal equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the form as used in the process forforming an artificial reef in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view showing the form as used in theprocess for the forming of an artificial reef in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view showing an intermediate step in theprocess of forming an artificial reef in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 shows a further step in the process of forming an artificial reefin accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view showing the completion of theartificial reef in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the interior of the artificialreef of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows the stackable relationship between artificial reefs ascreated by the process of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the artificial reef as created bythe present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the process for forming anartificial reef in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown the form 10 as used for theformation of the artificial reef in accordance with the presentinvention. The form 10 has a geometric shape. In FIG. 1, this geometricshape is in the nature of a pyramid shape. However, within the conceptof the present invention, various other shapes could also be employed.The form 10 has a plurality of surfaces 12, 14, 16 and 18 thereon. Acorner surface 20 extends between surface 12 and surface 14. A cornersurface 22 extends between surface 14 and surface 16. A corner surface24 extends between surface 16 and surface 18. A corner surface 26extends between surface 12 and surface 18. Ultimately, the upper end 28is relatively flat. As such, the form has a truncated pyramidal shape.

FIG. 1 shows that there are a plurality of blockouts 30 distributedalong the surfaces 12, 14, 16 and 18. Each of the blockouts 18 isillustrated as being of a generally cylindrical shape. In particular,the cylindrically-shaped blockouts 30 can be in the nature of bucketsthat have a slightly tapered outer diameter. As such, the narrow and ofsuch a blockout 30 is affixed against the respective surfaces 12, 14, 16and 18. Where plastic buckets are used, these can be attached by simplyusing a nail or a wood screw so as to attach the base of the bucket tothe respective surfaces of the form 10. In other circumstances, thesemembers 30 can be specially designed cylindrically-shaped elements thatcan be affixed to the surface by other means. As an alternative, each ofthe surfaces 12, 14, 16 and 18 can have openings that accommodate theends of each of the blockouts 30. These openings can be threaded so thateach of lockouts can be suitably screwed into a position. In othercircumstances, where the surfaces 12, 14, 16 and 18 are formed of ametal, then the blockouts 30 can have suitable magnets attached theretowhich secure each of the blockouts 30 to the respective surfaces 12, 14,16 and 18. Each of the blockouts 30 extend outwardly of the respectivesurfaces 12, 14, 16 and 18 for a desired distance.

In FIG. 1, it can be seen that there is a triangular-shaped blockout 32that is affixed to the surface 18. The triangular-shaped blockout 32 hasa narrow end adjacent to the upper and 28 of the form 10. Thetriangular-shaped blockout 32 is designed as a turtle escape opening inthe artificial reef. The triangular-shaped blockout 32 can be attachedto surface 18 in any of the manners described hereinbefore.

FIG. 1 shows that there is a base 34 that has an upper surface 36. Thebottom 38 of the form 10 is placed upon the upper surface 36 of the base34. The upper surface 36 of the base 34 is a planar surface having anarea greater than the area of the bottom 38 of the form 10. A lip 40extends upwardly around the perimeter of the base 34. A plurality ofblocks 42, 44, 46 and 48 are positioned on the upper surface 36 of thebase 34 in a space between the perimeter of the bottom 38 of the form 10and the lip 40 of the base 34. Blocks 42, 44, 46 in 48 extend upwardly.As will be described hereinafter, these blocks 42, 44, 46 and 48 serveto provide a service whereby one artificial reef can be stacked upon alower artificial reef.

FIG. 1 further illustrates that there is a rod 50 that extends over thecorner surface 22 and 26 and over the upper surface 28 of the form 10.This rod 50 can be in the nature of a metal rebar that has been bent soas to conform to the shape of the form 10. Alternatively, a metal cablecould be used.

FIG. 2 shows the form 10 from a side view. It can be seen in FIG. 2 thatthe form 10 has a truncated pyramidal shape. The rod 50 is illustratedas having a portion 52 extending above the upper surface 28 of the form10. The rod 50 is a bent rebar that has a portion 54 extending alongwith a corner surface 26 and another portion extending along the cornersurface 22. This rod 50 can be suitably positioned, if desired, throughthe use of chairs used for the support of rebars in construction.Otherwise, the rod 50 can simply lay against the corner surface.

FIG. 2 further shows the triangular blockout 32 and thecylindrically-shaped blockouts 30 that are arranged on the surface 18 ofthe form 10. The base 34 is illustrated as having a planar top surface36 and a planar bottom surface 60. The blocks 42, 44 and 46 arepositioned on the planar upper surface 36 of the base 34 and positionedinwardly of the lip 40.

FIG. 3 shows that a sprayable concrete 62 has been sprayed onto thesurfaces of the form 10. The sprayable concrete can be sprayed over thetriangular-shaped blockout 32 and over the cylindrically-shaped lockouts30. The sprayable concrete is in the nature of gunite or shotcrete. Thesprayable concrete preferably contains an embedded fiber mesh materialthat enhances the structural integrity of the structure and minimizes oreliminates the need for the use of steel rebar. This sprayable concreteis dispensed by pneumatic energy so as to be distributed over the outersurfaces of the form 10. The sprayable concrete also serves to fill thearea between the lip 40 of the base 34 and over at least a portion ofthe blocks 42, 44 and 46. The sprayable concrete is retained within thebase 34 by the lips 40. The upper end 52 of rod 50 extends outwardly andabove the sprayable concrete 62. Importantly, in FIG. 3, there areplurality of limestone surfaces 64 distributed substantially over theexterior of the sprayable concrete 62. After the sprayable concrete 62has been sprayed onto the form 10, these limestone surfaces 64 can bemanually positioned thereon during the curing process. As such, theselimestone surfaces 64 can be properly retained in possession. Thelimestone surfaces 64 can be in the nature of any form of calciumcarbonate and, in particular, in the nature of limestone rocks. As such,these limestone surfaces 64 provide a biocompatible material for theexterior of the artificial reef.

FIG. 4 illustrates that the triangular blockout 32 has been removed.Additionally, the triangular blockout 32 has been removed and also thecylindrical blockouts have been removed. As such, a void or opening 70is formed on the surface 72 of the artificial reef. Additionally,openings 74 are also formed through the sprayable concrete 62 so as toopen to the interior of the artificial reef. As stated hereinbefore,after the sprayable concrete 62 has cured, the cylindrical blockouts canbe removed by simply unscrewing the wood screw and pulling the bucketsfrom their position against the form. Similarly, the triangular-shapedblockout 32 can be removed in a similar manner. Since each of thecylindrical lockouts and the triangular blockouts have a tapered outerdiameter, they can be easily and conveniently removed from the curedconcrete 62.

FIG. 5 shows an opposite side view of the artificial reef 80 of thepresent invention. It can be seen that the limestone surfaces 64substantially cover the exterior surfaces of the sprayable concrete 62.The various cylindrically-shaped lockouts remain so as to allow theconcrete 62 to cure in a proper position. FIG. 6 shows that the that theopenings 74 are formed in those areas where the cylindrically-shapedblockouts previously resided.

FIG. 7 shows a stacked arrangement of artificial reefs 80, 82 and 84.Artificial reef 82 has blocks 42, 44 and 46 extending upwardly from thebottom thereof. The bottom of the artificial reef 82 can reside on thetop of the blocks 42, 44 and 46. Similar blocks are formed adjacent tothe bottom of the artificial reef 82 so as to support the bottom of theartificial reef 84 in a stacked configuration. The bent portion 52 ofthe rod 50 can be used so as to lift each of the artificial reefs 80, 82and 84 from the positions illustrated in FIG. 7 or to deposit suchartificial reefs in their stacked configuration. Additionally, this bentportion 52 of the rod 50 can also be used so as to effectively separatethe artificial reef from the underlying form. Under such circumstances,a concrete release agent can be sprayed over the exterior surface of theform 10 so as to facilitate the release of the concrete structure fromthe underlying form.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the artificial reef 80. Ascan be seen, there is a pyramidal-shaped interior 90 which waspreviously occupied by the form 10. As such, the various openings thatwere created through the use of the blockouts can communicate with theinterior 90 so as to allow small fish and organisms to swim therein. Inparticular, this allows for a small fish to develop and to seek refugetherein by preventing large fish from entering the interior of theartificial reef 80. As such, the present invention effectively promotesmarine growth.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the artificial reef 80. As can beseen, the artificial reef 80 has a generally truncated pyramidal shape.A bottom surface 92 is formed so as to extend at the bottom of thepyramid-shaped structure. The base 92 was formed in the space betweenthe lip 40 of the base 34 and the bottom of the pyramid-shaped form 10.As such, the base 92 has a relatively large surface area relative to thebottom of the pyramid-shaped structure 90. This wide area of the base 92serves to prevent any sinking of the artificial reef 80 into the subseafloor and to prevent any drifting of the artificial reef 80 by way ofocean currents. Further, the wide area provides additional surface areafor the limestone.

In FIG. 9, it can be seen that the bent portion 52 of the rod 50 extendsupwardly above the top end of the artificial reef 80. This rod 50facilitates the ability to properly manipulate the artificial reef 80.As such, a suitable crane can be used offshore so as to deploy theartificial reef 80. It is necessary to move the artificial reef 80, thena hook can be utilized so as to grasp the bent portion of the rod 52 forthe lifting and maneuvering of the artificial reef 80.

The artificial reef 80 is constructed of gunite or shotcrete which isdesigned to provide a hard substrate for the purpose of attractingmarine growth such as algae, truncates, hard and soft corals, fans,sponges, barnacles, oysters and other aquatic life. The structure can bemanufactured in a variety of shapes such as tetrahedrons, cones, cubes,cylinders, domes, or other shapes. The openings on each face of theartificial reef 80 can also be of different shapes such as circles,squares, rectangles, triangles, etc. Calcium carbonate components, suchas limestone and/or oyster shell, are an integral component of thesurface. Such calcium carbonate components provide almost 100% coverageof the surface. This provides additional surface area and a suitablematerial with a proper pH for marine growth. The use of gunite as theprimary structural element allows the unit to be constructed in one stepinstead of the multiple steps required by other artificial reefs. Thisprovides a substantial savings in time and cost during the manufacturingprocess. Additionally, the artificial reef 80 is stronger has greaterlongevity than previous artificial reefs.

Since the artificial reef 80 of the present invention utilizes a minimalamount of metal or steel, there is little (in the case where minimalamount of metal rebar is used) or no metal or steel to degrade over timein seawater. As such, the structural integrity of the artificial reef 80will have enhanced longevity. The surface area of the footprint of theartificial reef 80 serves to prevent subsidence or scouring incomparison with previous artificial reef designs. The openings in eachwall of the artificial reef 80 allow for an adequate water circulation.This promotes entry into the interior by smaller fish. As such, suchsmaller fish are provided with refuge and protection from predation. Theopenings have been created by the blockouts can be of any shape, number,or size. These blockouts to be removed prior to lifting the reef off ofthe form. The steel reinforcing rod is embedded into and along thelength of opposing edges of the artificial reef in order to provide amethod of lifting the reef from the form and a method for allowing theartificial reef to be properly positioned.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention isillustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the steps ofthe described process can be made within the scope of the presentinvention without departing from the true spirit of the invention. Thepresent invention should only be limited by the following claims andtheir legal equivalents.

We claim:
 1. A process for forming an artificial reef, the processcomprising: forming a form having a geometric shape; applying at leastone blockout onto a surface of said form, the blockout extendingoutwardly of said surface of said form and having an exposed end surfaceopposite said form; spraying concrete over an exterior of said form andover said exposed end surface of the blockout; curing the sprayedconcrete on said form for a period of time; removing the blockout fromthe surface of the form and from the cured sprayed concrete; andremoving the form from the cured sprayed concrete.
 2. The process ofclaim 1, further comprising: applying a rod onto said form, said rodextending outwardly of the surface of said form.
 3. The process of claim2, said rod being a metal rebar, the step of applying comprising:bending the rebar into an inverted V-shaped configuration; and applyingthe rebar onto the form such that the bent portion of said rebar extendsoutwardly above a top of said form.
 4. The process of claim 3, the stepof spraying concrete comprising: spraying concrete onto said form belowthe bent portion of the rebar.
 5. The process of claim 1, the step offorming the form comprising: forming a generally pyramid-shaped formhaving an upper end and a lower end.
 6. The process of claim 5, the stepof forming comprising: forming a base having a bottom surface and anupper surface; and positioning the lower end of said pyramid-shaped formupon the upper surface of said base.
 7. The process of claim 6, the stepof forming further comprising: applying at least one block onto saidupper surface of said base.
 8. The process of claim 7, the step ofapplying the sprayable concrete comprising applying the sprayableconcrete over said upper surface of said base and over at least aportion of the at least one block.
 9. The process of claim 1, theblockout being a cylindrically-shaped member, the step of applying atleast one blockout comprising: affixing an end of thecylindrically-shaped member to the surface of the form.
 10. The processof claim 1, the blockout being a triangular-shaped member, the step ofapplying at least one blockout comprising: affixing a surface of thetriangular-shaped member to the surface of the form, said triangularshaped member extending outwardly of the surface of the form.
 11. Theprocess of claim 1, further comprising: applying a plurality oflimestone surfaces onto an outer surface of the sprayable concreteduring the step of curing.
 12. The process of claim 1, furthercomprising: applying a concrete release agent to said form prior to thestep of applying the sprayable concrete.
 13. A process for forming anartificial reef, the process comprising: forming a form having ageometric shape; placing the form onto a base, the base having a lowersurface and an upper surface, said base having an area greater than anarea of a lower end of said form; applying at least one blockout onto asurface of said form, the blockout extending outwardly of said surfaceof said form and having an exposed end surface opposite said form;spraying concrete over said form and over the upper surface of said baseand over said exposed end surface of the blockout; curing the sprayedconcrete on said form and said base for a period of time; and removingthe cured sprayed concrete from the form and the base.
 14. The processof claim 13, further comprising: removing the blockout from the surfaceof said form subsequent to the step of curing the sprayed concrete. 15.The process of claim 13, further comprising: applying a rod onto saidform, said rod extending outwardly of the surface of said form.
 16. Theprocess of claim 13, the step of forming the form comprising: forming agenerally pyramid-shaped form having an upper end and a lower end. 17.The process of claim 13, the step of forming further comprising:applying at least one block onto said upper surface of said base. 18.The process of claim 13, further comprising: applying a plurality oflimestone surfaces onto an outer surface of the sprayable concreteduring the step of curing.
 19. A process for forming an artificial reef,the process comprising: forming a form having a generally pyramid shape;applying at least one cylindrically-shaped blockout onto a surface ofsaid form, the cylindrically-shaped blockout extending outwardly of saidsurface of said form and having an exposed end surface opposite saidform; spraying concrete over said form and over said exposed end surfaceof said cylindrically-shaped blockout; curing the sprayed concrete onsaid form for a period of time; removing the cylindrically-shapedblockout from the surface of the form and from the cured sprayedconcrete; and removing the form from the cured sprayed concrete.
 20. Theprocess of claim 19, the step of forming comprising: forming a basehaving a bottom surface and an upper surface; and positioning the lowerend of said pyramid-shaped form upon the upper surface of said base, thestep of spraying concrete comprising spraying concrete over the uppersurface of said base.